Male Homicide and Life Expectancy in Mexico

Objective. To determine the impact of homicide on male life expectancy in Mexico and its 32 states during the three-year periods 1998–2000 and 2008–2010 and the weight of the different age groups in years of life expectancy lost (YLEL) due to this cause. Methods. Based on official death and population data, abridged tables for male mortality in Mexico as a whole and its states were created for the three-year periods studied. Health-adjusted life expectancy and YLEL for men aged 15 to 75 were calculated by selected causes (homicide, diabetes mellitus, and traffic accidents) and age groups in each three-year period. Results. In the years between the 1998–2000 and 2008–2010 periods, YLEL due to homicide increased both nationally and in 19 states. In four states, the YLEL in 2008–2010 exceeded two, with the state of Chihuahua standing out at 5.2 years. In 14 of the 18 states where health-adjusted life expectancy among men declined between the two three-year periods, the YLEL due to homicide increased. From 2008 to 2010, homicides were the leading cause of YLEL among men aged 20–44. YLEL due to homicide among those aged 15–44 increased between the two three-year periods. Conclusions. The increase in the rate of homicidal violence, especially among young people, is impeding an increase in male life expectancy in Mexico. In several states, such as Chihuahua and Durango, this violence appears to be the main reason for the decline in life expectancy among men aged 15 to 75